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Frame vs. Handlebar fairing

Please respond only if you have actually used both types of fairings. I need product tested feedback, not opinions (sorry to be so blunt). I am considering buying an expensive handlebar mounted fairing (Parabellum Scout). I have had a Vetter Windjammer III for 25 years, but am looking for something more aerodynamic. Is there anyone who has had both products? What can I expect in terms of:
1. Wind and rain protection
2. Noise and wind turbulence
3. Handling (especially in wind)
4. Gas mileage
5. Durability
6. Finish and overall craftsmanship
Thank you for taking the time to respond.

I've had both and agree with Chris. Frame mount is preferable from a stability aspect. They usually add more weight than handlebar mount. I've had more than a few hairy moments in high winds with bar mount fairings. On the plus side the adrenalin sure wakes you up.

I might add that for item 1, I think you get more rain protection down low from a frame mount but this depends on which fairing we're talking about. A Vetter with lowers for example is pretty good in the rain.

I have had both - you have/will recieve a much greater level of protection (wind/rain, etc.) from the Windjammer than the Parabellum. I used a Windjammer for many years, never had the Parabellum but have had fairings that were very similar. As far as stability, like said above, a frame mount is more stable but generally I have never found the handlebar mount to be any kind of an issue other than in the most extreme conditions.

R90S with stock fairing, much like the Parabellum Scout, but a bit smaller maybe, little protection except for the waist, the Scout may be better. Did not cause any funny handling problems due to winds either, gas mileage typical for airheads, mid 40's.

Thanks everyone. I am glad I tested the waters here first. I was about to make the plunge and plunk out a big chunk of money for a fairing that I would be disappointed with. You have to love these forums.

The frame mount is always going to win out over a handlebar mount fairing when it comes to handling issues. Simply because the frame is carrying the weight of the fairing not the handlebars and the inputs via wind etc are going to be on the frame not the handlebars.

That being said the vetter is much bigger & heavier that the parabellum you are looking at. One local fellow has a Parabellum scout on his airhead and he really likes it.

The only time I've had a handlebar fairing cause issues is in strong wind or side winds when passing/meeting semi's. With a frame mounted fairing it just feels like you ran into a wind wall & then it passes with no real impact on handling.

I have a 71 /5 that over the years has had 3 different fairings on it.The first was a frame mount Avon police type.It made the bike feel very heavy at slow speeds and weighed about 25lbs.Had a rather large windscreen that could really sail in a crosswind.Never really liked it at all.Then I purchased a Parabellum handlebar fairing,a similar was also marketed by Rifle,was a great improvement over the Avon.Think it weighed 6lbs,made the bike handle much better with less turbulence and great rain protection.Had always liked the R90s cafe fairing,so I put a Parabellum Scout with a low sheild on.Got the look I wanted and it gives good protection from the wind and somewhat the rain.I can also convert to unfaired in just a few minutes if needed.Never had any issues with either Parabellum.

bmw baggers

I had a 75/6 and started going the bagger route with luftmeister and bates bags and a trunk of some sort. I really got disenchanted with it because a smaller bike really doesn't cut it as a bagger in my opinion. Ended up with an Electraglide and ended up selling the bmw (big mistake). Now own a 90/6 with just a windshield and I have to admit i did have a few tense moments in N.C. on 129 going arround some curves and getting slightly upset from side wind blast.